Fruits that are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are often what come to mind when we think of “superfoods.” One of these exotic gems, papaya, stands out not only for its unique taste but also for its huge health benefits and ability to keep people from getting serious diseases.
People have long liked papaya for its sweet taste and digestive benefits. New study shows that it also plays a big role in preventing cancer, thanks in large part to its high lycopene and vitamin C content.
We’ll talk about the scientifically proven ways papaya may help protect against cancer and other long-term illnesses like heart disease and stroke in this blog post.
Lycopene: The Cancer-Fighting Antioxidant in Papaya
Its bright orange-red colour comes from lycopene, a plant-based pigment that is linked to beta-carotene and is a type of carotenoid.
People often say that tomatoes are the best source of lycopene, but papaya is a great alternative that doesn’t get as much attention. It’s especially good for people who want to eat a range of foods.
There is a powerful antioxidant in lycopene that helps the body get rid of free radicals that are dangerous and can damage DNA and cause cancer.
According to a study released in Nutrients in 2022, lycopene has been studied a lot for its anti-cancer properties.
It has been shown to slow the growth of tumours and lower the risk of many types of cancer, such as prostate, lung, and stomach cancer.
But maybe even more interesting is the fact that lycopene may help avoid breast cancer. A new study published in Advances in Nutrition (2023) suggests that carotenoids like lycopene may help lower the chance of breast cancer, especially in women who are more likely to get it because of their genes.
Lycopene’s antioxidant qualities can stop the growth of cancer cells, boost the immune system, and shield cell structures from oxidative stress.
Vitamin C in Papaya: A Powerful Ally in Cancer Prevention
Papaya is also a great source of vitamin C, which is an important nutrient that helps the immune system, makes collagen, and protects cells from toxic damage.
There are 88.3 milligrammes of vitamin C in one cup of fresh papaya, which is more than 100% of the daily value for people. Because of this, eating papaya is an easy and tasty way to get more antioxidants every day.
Even more interesting is how much vitamin C you may have may affect your risk of getting breast cancer.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say that a study found that women with a family history of breast cancer who got 205 mg of vitamin C from food every day had a 63% lower chance of getting breast cancer than women who got only 70 mg of vitamin C every day.
This shows that eating vitamin C-rich fruits like papaya on a regular basis could help prevent this, especially in people who are genetically more likely to get it.
Heart-Healthy Benefits: More Than Just Cancer Protection
Papaya is good for you in more ways than just preventing cancer. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that antioxidants like lycopene may also help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are two of the world’s top causes of death.
Along with lycopene, papaya has dietary fibre, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol and improve heart health in general. Fibre binds to cholesterol particles in the gut, which helps the body get rid of them and keeps them from getting stuck in the arteries.
So eating papaya doesn’t just keep your cells from getting cancer; it also keeps your heart healthy.
How to Add More Papaya to Your Diet
Now that you understand the potential health benefits, the next step is incorporating papaya into your routine. Here are some easy ideas:
- Breakfast boost: Add fresh papaya chunks to yogurt or smoothie bowls.
- Tropical smoothie: Blend papaya with banana, orange juice, and a bit of ginger for an immune-boosting drink.
- Salad topper: Mix diced papaya with avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for a vibrant salad.
- Dessert swap: Serve chilled papaya slices with a sprinkle of lime and chili powder for a refreshing and healthy treat.
Because papaya is low in calories but rich in nutrients, it’s an ideal fruit for those seeking to prevent disease and maintain overall wellness.
In Conclusion, Papaya is a Useful Superfruit
It’s clear that papaya is more than just a tasty fruit. Because it has a lot of lycopene and vitamin C, it protects very well against oxidative stress, which is a major cause of cancer and other long-term illnesses.
Researchers have found a link between these nutrients and a lower chance of breast cancer, especially in people who have a family history of the disease.
Papaya is a fruit that should be on your usual menu because it can help your heart, lower your cholesterol, and boost your immune system.
Simple changes in what you eat can make a big difference in the fight against cancer and other long-term illnesses, and papaya is one of nature’s tastiest tools.